Once you find the weapon set that really satisfies you is when you'll need to invest all the skill points you've accumulated to make these already capable weapons even more insanely powerful. Outside of upgrading each gun's clip size, buying ammo, and unlocking and upgrading the secondary fire, you can also unlock your Leash's Thumper move that can toss a handful of bad guys into the air for a little target practice. I feel this part of the game could've used a little more thought since you're limited to a few things that can be bought instead of purchasing several different abilities and special weapon secondary fires, but that could always make its way into a possible sequel.

Outside of bulky space marines and gruff dialogue, Epic Games is known for being adept at throwing amazing set pieces and even more amazing boss encounters at you. It's in this regard that Bulletstorm doesn't disappoint. For every forgettable arena fight or hallway encounter, there's a far more memorable train chase, fall down a collapsing dam, or a nonchalant walk down the side of a building, high above a believable futuristic metropolis. It might not have Gears of War's deep budget or high level of polish, but it more than makes up for it by giving you a bunch of locations and missions you haven't yet experienced and won't soon forget.

There's a lot to love about Bulletstorm; it's funny and clever, doesn't take its implausible plot too seriously, and has some of the best weapons you'll ever have the pleasure of using. If you're a fan of shooters, enjoy showing off your mad skills to all your friends or are simply looking for a different type of shooter game in a genre filled with an excess of 'modern warfare' clones than Bulletstorm is waiting for you to give it a try.

By
Adam Dodd
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

GraphicsThere are a few graphical issues like texture popping and noticeable seams, but over the course of the game you'll find yourself in the midst of some spectacular set pieces as well as a few massive boss encounters that more than make up for it.

4.6

ControlThis is where the game shines; sliding into a group of enemies so you can throw down with the leash/kick combo never gets old, but some sort of cover system would have been a welcome addition.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingThere's much of what we've come to expect from games of its ilk including loud explosions, monstrous roars, and squishy body parts, but it's in the often hilarious dialogue where the game's excellent personality comes out.

4.5

Play ValueWhen the campaign grows stale, you can try to set a high score in the Echoes mode or jump online to kick some bad guy butt with up to three friends (or strangers).

4.3

Overall Rating - GreatNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Over-the-top, intense action - Epic Games and People Can Fly deliver a truly unique and over the top gameplay experience.

Unique "skillshot" gameplay - rewards players who "kill with skill".

Upgrades system - enables players to pull off even bigger and better skillshots and earn further upgrades.